New York Jets Fire GM, Trade 2016 First Round Pick Lee

Darron Lee, a 2016 first round pick, was traded by the New York Jets hours after they fired GM Mike Maccagnan. (Photo Credit: Rey Del Rio/Getty Images North America)

At least hypothetically, a rebuild usually involves tearing down and building back up. In 2015, the New York Jets hired Mike Maccagnan to be in charge of their most recent rebuild. He did the tearing down, but, he won’t be around for the building back up. That’s because the Jets decided to fire him on Wednesday.

Maccagnan signed a contract extension in January of 2017 that went through the 2020 season. But obviously, plans in New York have changed and he won’t see the end of that deal.

Jets have fired GM Mike Maccagnan and VP of Player Personnel Brian Heimerdinger, league sources told @jeffdarlington and me. Maccagnan had two years left on his contract.

Jets are in position to have strong season thanks to Maccagnan and Heimerdinger.

It’s bizarre timing, to be sure. One would think that if the organization was unhappy with Maccagnan, they would have fired him before they allowed him to be in charge of the draft and free agency this offseason. Not only did they allow him to run the franchise during those two offseason phases, but they empowered him to make some eyebrow-raising moves. Namely, signing Le’Veon Bell to a four-year, $52 million deal.

First off, I would like to thank the @nyjets organization for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime! As well as the fans that showed nothing but love all of my days there…I am forever grateful for the years I got to play for #GangGreen…Thank you ??

To make things even more confounding, within hours of firing Maccagnan – and subsequently naming newly hired head coach Adam Gase interim GM – the team traded 2016 first round pick, linebacker Darron Lee.

Lee had 238 total tackles in 40 games over three seasons in New York. He also had 11 passes defended and four sacks. He projects to add some much-needed depth to the Chiefs’ front seven.

In the deal, the Jets will receive a 2020 sixth-round pick from Kansas City.